Conditions this year are showing that lambs require selenium, cobalt and vitamin B12 supplements. The exceedingly dry spring and start to summer has hit forage quality and quantity. Whilst forage varies significantly throughout the UK, we have seen areas where forage alone will not provide sufficient trace elements to ensure the health of lambs post weaning.
Checking the trace element status of forage will provide the information you need to evaluate and supplement lambs correctly. Once you have established if there is a gap, we can help with a drench option to overcome a shortage of selenium and cobalt which also contains vitamins B12, A, D, E and B1. Another option is Cob-I-sel 60 our micro bolus for finishing lambs that also delivers iodine, selenium and multi-vitamins. It is also available with copper.
For farms looking at supplementing ewes and replacements for longer periods of time our Endurabol bolus provides up to 180 days [6 months] of supplementation and includes six key trace elements (Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, Selenium, Manganese, Zinc) and three vital vitamins (A,D,E). Suitable for sheep over 40kg and available with and without copper, each animal gets one bolus and one Microbulletâ„¢ in a single application. Our unique Microbulletâ„¢ technology ensures correct erosion of the bolus and after the lifetime of the bolus the Microbulletâ„¢ will breakdown.
If you are concerned about how to bolus, or would like to see how it’s done you can watch our ‘how to’ video here: https://www.net-tex.co.uk/nettex-videos/
The exceedingly dry and warm spring this year will have affected levels of essential trace elements such as cobalt. These weather conditions can disrupt the natural availability of key trace elements with serious implications for lamb growth and immunity before and after weaning because cobalt and selenium play vital roles in post-weaning lamb health.
If forage quality is in doubt, then testing forage will ascertain the severity of the issue and help identify the size of the gap. It is important that this is carried out as lambs move on to feeding on forage to ensure that target weights are reached.
Low levels of trace elements can impact immune function and growth at a time when lambs are already under stress from weaning and potentially facing parasite challenge. Identifying the issue and supplementing accordingly with a drench or bolus can help prevent disease and improve post weaning growth.
Selenium is key to supporting immunity and preventing white muscle disease, while cobalt is vital for vitamin B12 synthesis in the rumen. This is a crucial factor in energy metabolism and liveweight gain. As cobalt cannot be stored in the body, a steady supply throughout the grazing season is essential.
Unfortunately, deficiencies often go unnoticed until lamb performance declines. Weaning is a vulnerable period, and any nutritional shortfall can cause a growth check or increased susceptibility to disease.
Typical signs of cobalt deficiency include poor growth, dull fleece, loss of appetite, runny eyes, and increased worm burdens due to reduced immunity.
We want to help ensure your lambs continue to thrive, not just survive, after weaning. That is why we offer drench and bolus options to bridge gaps left by poor forage quality.
Find out more about our drench and bolus products here:
